CatchWeight

Catchweight is a negotiated bout weight in combat sports where the fighters agree to a maximum weight that falls outside the established official weight classes. It is not an official class itself; rather, the catchweight sets a contractual limit the competitors must meet at the weigh-in. The weight limit is the maximum allowed for each fighter, and the actual weigh-in result must not exceed that value.

Catchweights are used to arrange matchups across different divisions, accommodate late replacements, or enable a cross-division fight when both fighters consent to a weight that lies between standard class limits. They are common in boxing and mixed martial arts, and can be used for non-title bouts or for title bouts that are contingent on meeting the agreed weight.

Enforcement and consequences are determined by the contract and sanctioning bodies. If a fighter weighs in at or below the catchweight, the bout proceeds as agreed. If a fighter misses the weight, the bout may still proceed with penalties, such as fines or a larger percentage of the losing fighter’s purse awarded to the opponent; in some cases the fight can be canceled or renegotiated. The status of any championship on the line is also governed by the contract and governing rules, and may vary from event to event.

In summary, catchweight describes a negotiated, non-standard weight limit used to facilitate certain matchups. It is a practical tool in boxing and MMA for cross-division bouts, non-title or title bouts, and other situations where a traditional weight class separation would be impractical.